Puerto Vallarta's Historic Center Named Cultural Heritage Site

The Mexican state of Jalisco’s Department of Culture has made Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Center a protected area, giving it rights and privileges as a place of cultural and historical significance. This decision was made on July 21 through the official journal of Jalisco.

Areas protected include:

The Malecón: a hub of restaurants, bars art galleries, jewelers, shops and sculptures that’s frequented by visitors and locals. The oldest hotel in Puetro Vallarta, the hotel Rosita, is located here.

The Old Vallarta: Also known as the “Zona Romántica (The Romantic Quarter), this is an area where people can visit cafés, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. Closer to the Los Muertos beach houses a variety of nightclubs.

Conchas Chinas: A beachfront neighborhood that’s known for its “Chinese Shells.”

The State of Jalisco says this decision is a step closer to preserving the features of a typical seashore town, to preserving what’s called the “most Mexican” beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is close to celebrating its centennial. The city’s areas of interest include the Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe (also known as La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe by locals) the city’s central plaza, Los Muertos Pier and colonial homes that have been around for hundreds of years. The new heritage site is also known for its cobblestone streets.